Common Bamboo

Bambusa vulgaris

Physical Characteristics

Bambusa vulgaris is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 20 m (65ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is not frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Northern and western S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia. Ecuador, Venezuela.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Shoots Edible Uses: Drink Tea Edible portion: Shoots. Young shoots - cooked[ 46 , 301 ]. They can be eaten with rice[ 301 ]. The shoots are 5 - 9cm in diameter[ 266 ]. A decoction of the growing point of the plant, mixed with the roots of Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) gives a refreshing drink[ 299 ]. The shoots remain buttercup yellow after cooking. Chemical composition of young shoots per 100 g edible portion: Water 88-90 g, Protein 1.8-2.6 g, Fat 4.1-7.2 g, Carbohydrates 0-0.4 g, Fibre 1.1-1.2 g, Ash 0.8-0.9 g, Ca 22.8-28.6 mg, P 27.5-37 mg, Fe 1.1-1.4 mg, Vitamin C 0-3.1 mg.

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Astringent Emmenagogue Febrifuge Malaria The stems are used as a remedy for rheumatism. The shoots are used to treat abscesses and malaria. The bark is astringent and emmenagogue. The leaves are used to treat heart problems and malaria. They are boiled and used in a bath to ease fevers. A decoction of boiled leaves is used by women as a 'clean-out' for dilation and curettage, and also to aid the expulsion of the afterbirth. The leaves are boiled as a hot tea, which induces profuse perspiration in treating a fever. The sap is used to treat fever and haematuria.

Known Hazards

None known